Oklahoma NAEP scores dropin wake of teacher shortage

OKLAHOMA
CITY (April 10, 2018) – Oklahoma reading scores on the
2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) show a reversal of
gains made in 2015. With a statistically significant drop of five points,
Oklahoma is again below the national average in fourth-grade reading, as it is
in the other three subjects NAEP assesses: fourth-grade mathematics and
eighth-grade reading and mathematics.

NAEP scores
were released today in Washington, D.C., by the National Assessment Governing
Board.

“Our students have not gained academic momentum in the midst of thinning resources
and the severe, ongoing teacher shortage. These scores are indicative of the
struggles our schools have endured over the past several years,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister

“These
results are deeply concerning, particularly given our gains in 2015, although
the recent advocacy of grassroots education supporters has resulted in significant legislative action. This additional investment of
nearly $500 million in public education in Oklahoma, driven by educators, is a vital step toward reversing funding challenges that have
failed to keep pace with student enrollment and need.

“Now that we
finally will be able to offer our teachers regionally competitive compensation and
have secured dedicated, ongoing funding for our classrooms, I am optimistic we
will see positive results if we can sustain this momentum in future years.”

Unlike in 2015, when the Reading Sufficiency Act (RSA) was
50 percent funded ($74 per student), in Fiscal Year 2017, the RSA
program declined to 37 percent funded ($56 per student) after
the Public School Activities line item sustained a $38 million
cut.

“RSA is highly effective when adequately
funded. The consequences of not doing so are evident in this year’s scores,”
said Hofmeister. “If properly funded, RSA can build literacy momentum through parent engagement and targeted interventions and supports for struggling young readers.”

Oklahoma’s
average fourth-grade math score for 2017 is 237, down three points from 2015
and just below the national average of 239.

Oklahoma’s
eighth-graders, on average, scored lower than 33 other states/jurisdictions on
the reading test, down two points (261) from 2015 (263) and four points behind
the national average (265).

In
eighth-grade math, Oklahoma maintained its score from 2015. However, it remains
below the national average of 282 and is lower than 37 other
states/jurisdictions.

But the stage is set for significant improvement, Hofmeister noted.

Since 2015,
Oklahoma has implemented more comprehensive academic standards and developed
more complex assessments that align with national benchmarks, including NAEP
for early grades, with an end goal of college and career readiness for every
student.

“It was time
to raise the bar and give our students a chance to compete nationally,” said Hofmeister. “But we can't lift student outcomes without well-equipped teachers.”

The Oklahoma
State Board of Education has approved 1,966 emergency certifications since June
2017. Of those, 522 are for elementary education, grades 1 through 8. During
the previous NAEP assessment in 2015, 505 emergency certifications were
approved, 113 in grades 1 through 8.

“While we
are grateful for those who have stepped up and filled the gap by becoming
emergency certified, many have not received crucial training in child
development, classroom management and differentiated instruction. Learning how
to navigate classrooms overflowing with children, each of whom possesses unique
abilities and challenges, is not something that can be learned on the fly if
our goal is to help every child succeed.”

According to
a survey by NAEP, 80 percent of Oklahoma teachers in 2017 NAEP-assessed
classrooms said overcrowded classrooms are a hardship in their respective schools. Of those, 50 percent said
it was a serious problem.

Score Gaps for Student Groups in Oklahoma (fourth-grade reading)

In
2017, Black students had an average score 18 points lower than White
students.

In
2017, Hispanic students had an average score 12 points lower than White
students.

In
2017, Native American students had an average score 8 points lower than
White students.

In
2017, female students had an average score 8 points higher than male
students.

In
2017, students who were eligible for free/reduced-priced school lunches, an indicator
of low family income, had an average score 23 points lower than that for
students who were not eligible.

“Our most economically disadvantaged
students are falling farther behind,” Hofmeister said. "This is unacceptable; these students need
and deserve highly effective teachers in well-resourced classrooms and
appropriate supports.”

Oklahoma’s Native American students, while still scoring above their national counterparts, saw a significant decline in fourth-grade reading scores – down 10 points from the 2015 assessment. Native American scores also dropped slightly in eighth-grade reading and fourth-grade math.

“For our students to be nationally competitive, we must ensure appropriate and sustained education funding. We have seen landmark support from legislators in recent weeks, and with their continued commitment in future years, our public schools will no longer be forced to continue to operate in crisis mode and our students will begin to thrive.

“These scores are stark evidence of the ramifications of the teacher shortage. Make no mistake: Together, we can see future gains in NAEP and other valuable measures of student achievement.”

Federal law requires that states and districts receiving Title I funding test representative samples of students to participate in NAEP reading and math assessments. Approximately 9,300 Oklahoma students in 301 schools were tested between January and March 2017. The results of these tests were reported in the Nation’s Report Card. Oklahoma’s snapshot reports and full results can be foundonline.

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